Frequently Asked Questions

Below you will find information that might help you understand how to find things or learn about information you might need to know about your city or town.

Probate Court

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  • The first step is to determine whether the individual who has died left a will. If there is a will, then the executor or some other person may offer the will for probate in the Probate Court. Even if the will is not going to be probated, anyone who is in possession of the will of a decedent must bring the will to the Probate Court for filing. If there is no will, then the usual procedure is to have an administrator appointed to take care of the decedent's estate. Whether or not there is a will, if a spouse or minor child (under age 18) survives the decedent, they may want to consider whether to file for year's support. For more information, view When a Loved One Dies.
    Probate Court
  • People are not required to have a lawyer to represent them, but in many cases it is advisable to have a lawyer. The clerks of the Probate Court may not serve as your legal advisors, and you should not expect them to perform legal or clerical services for you. They work for and at the direction of the probate judge. It is their responsibility to process the volume of paperwork filed in the office and to attend to the administrative aspects of the operation of this office. They are here to serve you, and they will want to do so to the best of their abilities. They are not allowed to complete any paperwork for you, nor can they make a legal determination or advise you on which proceeding is most appropriate or advisable. The information on this website and the Probate Court Standard Forms are designed to help you perform simple filings on your own. However, if you find that the filing is more difficult than you expected, you should seek the assistance of an attorney. A lawyer may not cost as much as you think. Please note that we cannot recommend a lawyer.
    Probate Court

Probate Court - Weapons Carry License

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  • No. We are no longer scheduling appointments. Applications are accepted Monday through Friday between the hours of 9:00 am and 3:00 pm.  

    Probate Court - Weapons Carry License
  • What You Will Need Bring to Apply for a Weapons Carry License:

    1. Completed application packet. Download and print the application packet (PDF). If you are not able to print documents, call 762-400-6326 or email pam.middlebrooks@accgov.com to request that one be mailed to you. Fill out the application packet but do not sign the signature field on page 2 of the packet. You will complete the signature during your appointment.
    2. Valid driver’s license or state-issued ID card showing a Clarke County address
    3. Cash, check or money order (no credit or debit cards) in the amount of $72.00 addressed to Athens-Clarke County Probate Court for license fee.
    4. Separate cash, check or money order (no credit or debit cards) in the amount of $5.00 addressed to the Sheriff’s Office for fingerprinting
    5. If you were born outside of the United States you will also need one of the following documents to support your application:
      • U.S. Passport
      • U.S. Birth Certificate for Applicant and/or  Applicant’s Parent 
      • U.S. Certificate of Naturalization
    Probate Court - Weapons Carry License
  • At this time, Probate Court is able to renew Clarke County Weapons Carry Licenses only.

    To Renew a Weapons Carry License

    1. Download and print the application packet (PDF). If you are not able to print documents, call 762-400-6326 or email pam.middlebrooks@accgov.com to request that one be mailed to you. Fill out the application packet, and 
    2. Have your signature witnessed by a notary public in the space reserved on the form for a clerk’s signature. 
    3. Place your completed and notarized application in an envelope with the following forms of payment:
      1. Cash, check or money order in the amount of $30.00 addressed to Athens-Clarke County Probate Court for renewal fee
      2. Cash, check or money order in the amount of $5.00 addressed to Clarke County Sheriff’s Office for local background check.
    4. Mail your application and forms of payment to:
      Athens-Clarke County Probate Court
      ATTN: Weapons Carry License Renewal
      325 E. Washington St., Suite 200
      Athens, GA 30601
    Probate Court - Weapons Carry License
  • Processing times vary. All applications must have both a FBI and a GBI criminal background check. The time it takes to receive the background checks from these agencies will vary. The average time is at least four to six weeks, but is dependent upon each applicant’s criminal history. A weapons carry license will not be issued until all background checks are received and reviewed by the judge.

    Probate Court - Weapons Carry License
  • We will mail your permit to you.

    Probate Court - Weapons Carry License
  • Yes. Law requires a new set of fingerprints be done for all new weapons carry license applications.

    Probate Court - Weapons Carry License
  • Probate Court accepts cash, check, or money orders. No cards are accepted at this time.

    Probate Court - Weapons Carry License
  • The fees associated with weapons carry licenses are as follows:

    First Time License Applications

    • $72.00 + $5.00 fingerprinting fee


    License Renewals

    •  $30.00 + $5.00 local background check fee


    Probate Court - Weapons Carry License
  • If you are not able to print documents, call 762-400-6326 or email pam.middlebrooks@accgov.com to request that one be mailed to you.

    Probate Court - Weapons Carry License
  • At this time, Probate Court is able to process renewals for residents with a Clarke County Weapons Carry License only. 

    Probate Court - Weapons Carry License
  • If you are applying for a Weapons Carry License for the first time, a clerk will witness your signature during your appointment.

    If you are renewing an existing Clarke County Weapons Carry License by mail, you are permitted to have a notary public witness your signature before mailing in your renewal application.

    Probate Court - Weapons Carry License
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